EDUCATOR RESOURCES

Stay up to date with the early childhood field, including best practices, professional development and connecting with other educators. Resources include:

NAEYC provided resources include books, peer-reviewed research, Developmentally Appropriate Practice, professional development, plus tips and innovative ideas for the classroom. Find out more at naeyc.org.

Created by Arizona voters, First Things First partners with families and communities to help our state’s young children be ready for success in kindergarten and beyond.

Arizona Early Childhood Workforce Registry helps you grow your skills and advance your career. Find and register for training and professional development opportunities near you and get access to First Things First scholarships toward your college degree with this great resource.

The Arizona Department of Education aims to ensure every child has access to an excellent education. Specifically, their Department of Early Childhood Education supports teachers and administrators with resources spanning family engagement to communications, so that we’re equipped to improve student outcomes.

For the latest research about Mathematics, Science and Language / Literacy approaches to learning, or Common Core Standards, utilize the Arizona Early Learning Standards and Guidance, 3rd Edition. And for infants and toddlers, First Things First created the Arizona Infant and Toddler Developmental Guidelines.

Great Expectations for Teachers, Children, Families, and Communities is made possible by a First Things First early childhood professional development grant that was awarded to United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona (UWTSA) in August 2009. First Things First required that the winning applicant establish at least one Community of Practice, where early childhood teachers could improve their knowledge about the development and learning of children from birth up to 5 years of age. The people taking part in a Community of Practice also could earn college credit that eventually could lead to a degree in early childhood education.